WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker today announced that the Department of Transportation has released over $4.9 million for two Mississippi airports.  Funding for the grant, administered by the Federal Aviation Administration, was provided through the Fiscal Year 2008 Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill. 

Senator Cochran said:  “I am pleased the federal government continues to provide Mississippi with funds needed to improve our airports,” said Senator Cochran.  “These grants will help ensure that our airports are safe and secure.”

Senator Wicker said:  “When the federal government invests in airport infrastructure in Mississippi, our state’s economic development efforts are greatly enhanced.  This funding will strengthen these airports and help them better serve their communities by increasing safety and efficiency.”

Funds have been awarded for:

University-Oxford Airport, Oxford, MS:  $3,850,911 for the construction of the second phase of a taxiway, which will complete the east portion of the parallel taxiway.  The full parallel taxiway will allow the airport to have lower landing minimums for its precision approach.  Also, this project consists of lighting the newly constructed taxiway.

John E Lewis Field, McComb, MS:  $1,086,185 for relocation of a section of the parallel taxiway that is currently located too close to the runway. This relocation will meet current federal aviation standards and enhances the operational safety at the airport.

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